Lobby Lurkers: The Surprising Surfaces Harboring Harmful Bacteria in Hotels

As of August 18, 2025, a new study has uncovered the surprising hotspots for germs in hotel lobbies. According to experts, these communal spaces are prime breeding grounds for viruses and bacteria that can make travelers sick.

The study found that elevator buttons are the most touched surfaces in hotel lobbies, acting as a "super-spreader" site that connects people to other contaminated areas. The front desk counter and tabletops in food service areas also ranked high for the most touches, posing risks of spreading illnesses like food poisoning.

Even surfaces that seem less obvious, like upholstered furniture and bathroom door handles, harbor harmful microbes that are difficult to clean properly. Researchers placed a harmless virus on entry door handles and found it spread widely, impacting about half of all targeted surfaces in the lobby.

To avoid picking up a bug before your hotel stay even begins, experts recommend taking precautions. Frequent handwashing with soap and water for at least 15 seconds, or using a hand sanitizer with 62-70% ethanol, can reduce infection risk by over 97%. Moisturizing hands is also key to maintain healthy skin and prevent infections.

While the prospect of germs lurking in hotel lobbies may be unsettling, a little vigilance can go a long way in keeping you healthy on your travels.